Air Fryer Peaches with Cinnamon

This summer dessert transformed my world when I discovered I could make juicy, caramelized peaches without firing up the grill. Air fryer peaches deliver that perfect blend of warm fruit with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar topping in just 15 minutes. They're simple enough for weeknight treats yet impressive enough for company.

The first time I made these was during a summer heatwave when the thought of turning on my oven seemed unbearable. My family was skeptical until that first bite when the warm, juicy peach with its caramelized topping completely won them over.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe peaches: Select ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure without being mushy
• 1/4 cup butter (melted): Creates that luxurious mouthfeel and helps caramelize the sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: Provides deep caramel notes that white sugar simply cannot match
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon: Adds warmth and complexity that complements the natural peach flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Gather Ingredients:

Collect all your ingredients before starting to ensure smooth preparation. Having everything ready makes the process quick and seamless especially since peaches cook rapidly.

Preheat Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 390°F and preheat for 5 minutes. If your peaches are particularly ripe or your air fryer runs hot, adjust to 350°F and preheat for just 3 minutes. Proper preheating ensures even cooking and better caramelization.

Prepare Peaches:

Slice each peach in half and carefully remove the pits. A gentle twist usually works best for freestone varieties while clingstone peaches might require careful cutting around the pit. Keep the skin on as it helps the peaches maintain their shape during cooking.

Apply Butter:

Using a pastry brush, generously coat the cut side of each peach half with melted butter. Make sure to get butter into all the crevices for maximum flavor development. The butter will help the sugar mixture adhere and create that wonderful caramelization.

Add Sugar Mixture:

Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon thoroughly then sprinkle liberally over the buttered peach halves. The sugar will melt during cooking creating a delicious syrupy glaze that infuses into the fruit.

Arrange in Air Fryer:

Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Place peach halves cut side up in a single layer ensuring they do not touch for proper air circulation and even cooking.

Cook Peaches:

Air fry at your preheated temperature for approximately 10 minutes. The peaches should become tender with a bubbling caramelized topping. The exact time may vary depending on peach ripeness and your specific air fryer model.

Serve and Enjoy:

Carefully remove the hot peaches from the air fryer and transfer to serving plates. The caramelized topping will continue to set slightly as they cool making them even more delicious.

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The cinnamon is truly the magical ingredient in this recipe. I once accidentally doubled the amount and discovered it created an almost churro-like flavor profile with the peaches that my children now specifically request. There is something about the way cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of peaches that makes this simple combination extraordinary.

Selecting the Perfect Peaches

The ideal peaches for this recipe should give slightly when gently squeezed but shouldn't feel soft or mushy. Look for fruits with vibrant color and a sweet fragrance at the stem end. Avoid peaches with greenish undertones as they were picked too early and won't have developed their full sweetness. While you can use slightly underripe peaches the cooking time may need to be extended by 2-3 minutes and you might want to increase the sugar slightly to compensate for the tartness.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

These air fryer peaches are best enjoyed immediately while warm, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days in an airtight container. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds. The texture won't be quite as perfect as freshly made, but the flavor remains delicious. You can also prepare the peaches up to the point of cooking several hours ahead of time store them covered in the refrigerator with the sugar topping already applied, then air fry just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

While these peaches are absolutely delicious on their own, they become a show-stopping dessert when paired with complementary toppings. Try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the warm fruit creating a peaches and cream effect. A dollop of Greek yogurt adds a tangy contrast that balances the sweetness beautifully. For added texture, sprinkle with granola, crushed amaretti cookies, or toasted sliced almonds. You can even transform them into a sophisticated brunch offering by serving alongside French toast or waffles.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your peaches are burning before becoming tender, your air fryer likely runs hot. Try reducing the temperature by 25 degrees or placing a small piece of foil loosely over the top during the last few minutes of cooking. For peaches that remain too firm after cooking, they likely weren't ripe enough. You can continue cooking in 2-minute increments until desired tenderness is reached. If using very juicy peaches that release a lot of liquid during cooking, simply spoon this natural syrup over the finished peaches before serving nothing goes to waste!

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of peaches work best for air frying?

Ripe peaches that are not too hard or overly soft work best. Fresh peaches yield the best results for caramelized and juicy texture.

→ Can I use olive oil instead of butter?

Yes, you can brush the peaches with olive oil as a substitute. Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon and spoon it into the center of the peaches for added flavor.

→ Can this dish be served with toppings?

Absolutely! Consider serving with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of honey for a finishing touch.

→ How do I prevent the peaches from burning?

Monitor the air frying time and temperature based on your air fryer’s strength and the ripeness of your peaches. Adjust to 350°F if needed and keep a close eye.

→ Do I need to peel the peaches before air frying?

No, peeling is not necessary. The skin softens during air frying, and it’s safe to enjoy along with the caramelized interior.